Even with significant increases in hydro bills due to previous nuclear projects, the Ford government plans to invest $26.8 billion to upgrade the Pickering nuclear power plant, extending its operational life for another thirty years.
The government announced that work on the Pickering nuclear B reactors will begin in 2027 and is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. This upgrade will increase the plant’s capacity to 2,200 megawatts, enough energy for about 2.2 million households. The initiative aims to create approximately 30,500 construction jobs, maintain 6,700 ongoing positions, and ensure over 90 percent of expenditures remain within Canada, according to provincial officials.
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce stated that this refurbishment is a vital part of the province’s Energy for Generations plan designed to provide dependable and affordable electricity as demand grows. He emphasized that this project will secure long-term clean energy while promoting housing and economic development.
However, taking the Pickering nuclear facility offline for much of the next decade means Ontario will depend more on gas supplies to make up for around 2,000 megawatts currently generated by the plant. With limited advancements in renewable sources or other alternatives, the provincial energy strategy indicates this could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
David Pickup, who manages the Pembina Institute’s electricity program, mentioned that while this announcement was anticipated after years of discussions regarding refurbishment plans, it highlights Ontario’s strong emphasis on nuclear energy despite needing “many different energy options and many projects” to meet future demands instead of focusing solely on large-scale developments.
Pickup told that alongside refurbishment efforts, there should be serious investments in renewables and storage solutions as well as other low-cost alternatives that can be quickly implemented and help mitigate risks.
Electricity costs in Ontario have already risen by 29 percent this year partly due to spending on nuclear initiatives.
An increase in natural gas usage may further hike consumers’ electricity bills since if Ontario escalates its use of gas, it either has to import more from the US or transport additional supplies through Canadian pipelines at higher costs-a new analysis from Pembina warns.
According to Pembina’s report, Ontario currently imports about 70 percent of its gas from US sources; thus increasing dependence raises energy-security concerns amid tense trade relations. Gas prices are also unpredictable because they fluctuate with global market conditions.
Experts note that while refurbishment enhances safety measures and keeps a substantial source of “clean power” operational online, it does come with steep initial costs.
Francis Syms from Humber Polytechnic’s school of clean energy explained that refurbishment entails a complete rebuild of core reactor systems including fuel channels, tubes, feeders, turbines, instrumentation along with cyber security enhancements.
“It’s basically rebuilding the heart of the reactor,” Syms told . “It also gives the operator an opportunity to upgrade to the latest standards for environmental controls, safety and systems like cyber security and artificial intelligence.”
Syms pointed out that refurbishing an existing reactor is much cheaper and quicker than constructing a new one which would take up to ten years just for regulatory approvals along with new infrastructure requirements. He added that this project represents a significant workforce opportunity ensuring Canada retains its expertise in nuclear technology-an area other nations rely upon when refurbishing or operating CANDU reactors.
Regarding affordability issues he remarked that while nuclear involves high upfront expenses it provides stable carbon-free electricity over decades supporting energy independence allowing industries like data centers room for growth. He emphasized again how important it is for Ontario not only focus on one solution but instead combine nuclear power with renewables along with storage capabilities.
The refurbishment project also incorporates a $100-million Indigenous procurement plan aimed at assisting communities develop long-term skills related directly towards nuclear projects moving forward.
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